Blog Austin - Real Estate and More

Senate OKs Extension of Tax Credit!

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:48:00 -0500

Positive headway is being made to extend the first time home buyers tax credit. Today, the Senate tentatively agreed to extend the credit. This is great news for those buyers who could not close on a home by the original deadline date of November 30th - just a month away. Under the agreement to extend the credit, home buyers must be under contract by April 30, 2010 with a close date deadline on or before June 30th, 2010. This proposal still faces votes in the full Senate and House, and House leaders have already said they support the extension.

Washington Lawmakers also added a $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years. Plus, raise the qualifying income limits to $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for joint taxpayers.

This year's first-time home buyers credit has accomplished its intended purpose. Approximately 1.4 million first-time home buyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit. The $8000 tax credit extension is a critical part of continued economic recovery as we begin to see a positive movement in the housing market.

If you are a looking to make a home purchase, this could be your best ever opportunity. The tax credit, low interest rates and prices of new and resale homes won't always be to your advantage.

Call or email me today and let's get you started down the path of a home purchase.

Karen Staha CRS, GRI,ABR, REALTOR (512) 217-2435 kmstaha@aol.com www.karenstaha.com Selling Texas since 1995! Gaston & Sheehan Realty - serving Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Cedar Park, Leander and beyond!

Let’s Just Sign the Contract Here. I’m flexible.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:35:47 -0600

I've written contracts in some out-of-the norm places but this past Friday was a definite first when I wrote up a contract with my buyers sitting at a kitchen table in the middle of a street cove - literally. So how did the kitchen table set get there? My clients were moving it from one vehicle to another and we spontaneously decided it was as good a place as any to sign the contract.

I just love real estate - every day brings something new.

Gaston & Sheehan Realty 3rd Annual Food Drive

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:03:02 -0600

Gaston & Sheehan Realty held our 3rd annual "We Care and Share" Food Drive this past Saturday and I'm pleased to say that it was a great success. We collected over one ton of food goods after delivering over 2500 food collection bags in several area neighborhoods a few days prior.

All food donations benefited The Storehouse Food Panty, an local community outreach center.

A sincere thanks to our co-sponsors who helped make this drive possible with their generous donations to help offset the grocery bag printing costs. And a very special thank you to all those who donated food.

My son, Ryan, helped me deliver bags from door to door and pick up the donated foods on Saturday.

Here's me with a bulging bag of food.

One of our Realtors, Sandy with a truck load of food.

Dropping off the food at The Storehouse outreach center

Tracie and Shawn

Information provided by: Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995- Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

My Buyer’s Final Walk-Through Suprise Today

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:50:31 -0500

Today I met with my buyer so he could do a final walk-through on the home he is purchasing. The homeowner's are moved out and the closing is scheduled for tomorrow.

Everything seemed in order until we got the master bathroom and discovered four large brown stains that mirror the outline of whatever was placed on the white vinyl tile. I've seen this type of vinyl floor discoloration in the past and knew the stains were the result of a chemical reaction from rubber backed floor mats. The discoloration is permanent and no amount of scrubbing will remove them. Moving on to the hall bath, we discovered the same type of floor discoloration.

You'd think the owner occupant would be aware of these stains yet it was not disclosed in the sellers disclosure. When my buyer and I viewed the home originally and when his inspection was done, there were floor mats in place but who would have thought to look under them.

Needless to say, this unexpected find presented an issue for my buyer and in the last hours before closing I'm on the phone with the seller's agent negotiating a floor replacement allowance. Her first comment was, "this is not something that has to be disclosed." Hmmmm....And it's okay to hide the stains from buyer view too? In the end an allowance was agreed to and my buyer will be replacing the floors after purchase.

The are two important points here. Always, always do a final walk-through on the home you will purchase to insure there are no damages or defects not previously disclosed or items removed that are to convey with the home. I once had a situation where a seller replaced an expensive light fixture for a cheaper one and again, this was discovered during a final walk-through with my buyer. It amazes me that there agents who don't impress the importance of a final walk-through to their buyers.

The second point is to ‘DISCLOSE.' Here in Texas, seller's have a legal responsibility to disclose defects and damages on the 'Seller's Disclosure Forms' along with other pertinent information about the property. Failure to disclose could potentially cause the seller to be held liable.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

The Realty Round Up In Austin - A ‘Super Hero’ Event

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 01:22:24 -0500

Today I was missing in action from my normal real estate activities, but it was still a day all about real estate. I attended Austin Board of Realtor's 'Realty Round-Up,' the largest real estate related trade show in Central Texas. This day-long event is a once a year opportunity to browse the latest industry products and services, attend a variety of well-informed seminars, and network all under one roof.

I had a great time. It was an active scene throughout the day with over 2,000 attendees toting bags full of industry related goodies collected from booth to booth and dropping business cards in plastic pumpkins for a chance to win lunches, gifts cards and more. Honestly, I think we looked much like a bunch of kids trick-or-treating on Halloween.

This years event featured a ‘Super Hero' theme and the ABOR affiliate members, sponsors and exhibitors didn't hold back embracing the concept. Superman to Catwoman and colorful decorations were plentiful throughout the exhibit hall.

The after event celebration in the grand ballroom was fun way to top off the day, sip on a favorite drink, enjoy the band and visit with colleagues.

I've attended the Realty Round-up for 17 years and looking forward to being there again next year. But until then -- back to my normal real estate business activities.

Do we look like we could be sisters? That we are! Darlene is a Realtor in Austin also.

Who is that masked man?

This gal won a change to catch $1, $5, $10 & $20's as they blew around the booth she's standing in.

Doing the locomotion train dance...."Come on baby, do the locomotion"

Austin to Leander Commuter Rail - On Track to Open March 30, 2009

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:54:05 -0500

Excitement is growing as we count down to March 30, 2009, the scheduled date for The Capital MetroRail service to begin transporting commuters in comfort and style along the Red Line. This long awaited project, approved by voters in 2004, is a 32-mile passenger rail system built on pre-existing freight rail lines that will run between Downtown Austin and the city of Leander.

The Red Line will serve nine stations providing convenient service every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. The 9 stop station locations are Leander, Lakeline, Highland, Plaza Saltillo, Howard, Burnet/Kramer, Crestview, MLK Jr., and Downtown/Convention Center Station. The two main termini are Leander Station and Park & Ride (north) and Downtown Station (south)

Stations in more suburban settings will feature special shuttle buses to whisk you to your final destination; more urban locations will be accessible by foot, bike and bus. Each station will feature an accessible platform with varying canopy designs, ticket vending machines, bike racks, and informational displays.

The MetroRail vehicles have a capacity of 200 passengers, 108 seated and 92 standing. Daily ridership is projected at 2,000 boardings per day which means about 1,000 people a day round-trip.

Priority seating areas are available for wheelchairs. A "VIP section" with room for laptop use with WiFi access is also included. Bike racks, luggage racks, high back racks, and low floor entry for easy access.

Fares as shown on the Capital Metro website:

MetroAccess 10-ride Ticket Book $7.00
MetroRail Adult (1 Zone $1.00, 2 Zones $1.50)
MetroAccess-certified individuals, seniors (65 and older), disability fare card holders, children under six: FREE

Travel Time In Minutes: LINK

The MetroRail project costs stands at approximately $105 million. Included in the price is $32.3 million for six self-propelled diesel-electric rail cars. The entire project is funded from an existing one cent sales tax that Capital Metro reaps from the region it serves, government grants and rider fares.

The MetroRail Trains are Built by Stadler in Germany with design and engineering provided by Interfleet Technology, the GTW--2 is loosely based upon NJ Transit's RiverLINE Stadler/Bombardier GTW--but our trains are a lot bigger and features a totally new carbody.

Owner/Operator is The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Each train runs on two 400HP diesel electric engines.
Overall length 134 feet, 1.8 inches
Overall width 9 feet, 8 inches
Projected operating speed: 60 - 75 miles per hour

With the growth in Austin and surrounding cities, it's clear future rail expansion will be necessary. Two potential future lines have been identified as being good fits for MetroRails: The Mocan Corridor could extend from Austin out to Round Rock. The Austin-Manor Station could extend from Austin as far as Elgin and Manor.

If you are relocating to our area or already here and would like more information about neighborhoods or assistance in buying or selling a home, I welcome your call or email. I know and specialize in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander or Hutto.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

Commute Cost Calculator - Find Out Here What You Spend On Gas

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:09:35 -0500

Ever wonder what your vehicle maintenance and/or gas costs total up to be on a monthly or yearly basis or what the commute costs will be owning that new home?

This commute cost calculator will give you an estimate of your vehicle maintenance costs and/or gas costs on a monthly and annual basis.

As an example, I did a gas cost estimate on a vehicle that gets 17 mpg. at $2.79 per gallon of gas. (I excluded vehicle maintenance costs in the formula by changing the number to 0)

20 mile commute to and from work = $65.41monthly and $784.92 annually
40 mile commute to and from work = $130.82 and $1569.84 annually

COMMUTE COST CALCULATOR

Pflugerville's Pfestival and Expo - A Great Turn Out Today

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:08:47 -0500

Today was the Pflugerville Pfamily Pfestival & Expo and it could not have been a more perfect fall weather day for the event. The turn out was great and people really enjoyed all the happenings.

There was something for everyone including over 100 business and community organization exhibits and demonstrations featuring Classic car show, Travis County Star Flight and Texas National Guard helicopter displays, public safety displays, performances by local school, youth and church groups plus a lot more. Oh, and plenty of food from some of Pflugerville's fine restaurants.

The Greater Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce hosts the Expo each year to showcase local businesses and community organization exhibits. This year marked the 10 year event celebration. The theme for this years festival was ‘Celebrating Our Community Cultures' and celebrate we did.

I enjoyed visiting all the venue booths, making new friends and seeing so many familiar faces. Thanks for all who stopped by our Gaston & Sheehan Realty booth.

Here's me sporting my t-shirt of the unofficial Pflugerville slogan ‘between a rock and a weird place.' And the meaning behind this in case you don‘t know? Pflugerville is located between Round Rock and Austin - whose slogan is ‘Keep Austin Weird.'

My camera battery gave out early so I was only able to take a few pictures.

One of the three large exhibit tents

Kids loved sitting in the fire truck

Pflugerville's DARE Vehicle (Drug Abse Resistance Education) DARE is a police officer-led series of lessons given in our school classrooms that teaches students good decision making skills to help them avoid high-risk drug behavior. It's a great program, and I think every school should offer this.

Travis County Star Flight (Shock Trauma Air Rescue) as they were leaving the expo grounds. Star Flight is a unique public safety air rescue program that performs everything from the transport of critically ill patients to fire fighting, and rescue to law enforcement

Green N Growing Garden Center in Pflugerville is a Gardeners Delight

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:35:02 -0500

I love the fall season. Here in Texas, with a hint of cooler air and a nice seasonal selection of vegetables, flowers and other assorted outdoor plantings, it's like spring all over again for gardeners. One of my favorite places to shop for all my landscape needs is Green N Growing located in downtown Pflugerville. On a recent visit here, I took a few pictures to share your way.

Enjoy the tour of flowers, plants and trees at this captivating garden palace - Green N Growing.

Green N Growing is a family owned Garden Center and Nursery open year around. Tim & Rhonda Pfluger own and operate Green N Growing since 1975. Their daughter, Michelle, is also part of the day to day garden business here. The Pflugers know everything there is to know about gardening.

The indoor gift and garden center was once the parlor room of the home where Tim's great grandfather raised his family many years ago and raised cattle on the land. There's always an exciting assortment of garden items and gifts here.

Green N Growing has earned a lot of faithful customers over the years, many who drive from Georgetown, Taylor, Round Rock and Austin for the quality and selection.

All the beautiful huge oak trees you see were planted by Tim & Rhonda. Green N Growing sits on 2 acres of land. There's a variety of everything garden: Trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers, herbs, potted plants, garden art, organic fertilizers.

Ceramic pots, garden benches, bird houses and other 'for sale' outdoors art are nestled amongst the gardens.

Behind this rustic gate are the water gardens where you'll find a wonderful selection of pond plants and goldfish.

The greenhouse is filled with an assortment of indoor and shade plants.

This path takes you down to the shrubs and beyond this is Tim & Rhonda's personal vegetable and herb garden. They actually have two vegetable gardens, the other is at their home.

Tim, Rhonda and Michelle Pfluger welcome your visit to Green N Growing.

Green N Growing is located at 601 Pecan St, Pflugerville, TX 78660. For hours call (512) 251-3262

Information provided courtesy of Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty Cell 512-217-2435 Email: kmstaha@aol.com Web: www.karenstaha.com

Yo Dogs! Round Rock's First Leash Free Dog Park Now Open!

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:20:54 -0500

Round Rock's first leash free dog park - opened in March 2008. Like many cities, Round Rock has a leash law which states that dogs are to be contained in a fenced yard or on a leash at all times when outdoors - so the Dog Depot is a welcome addition for non-aggressive dogs to play and interact thanks to the City of Round Rock.

Located within Round Rock's Lake Creek Park at 800 Deerfoot Drive, The Dog Depot is a 1.85 acre haven designed for off-leash play between canines of all sizes. The park is broken into three sections consisting of a large dog area, small dog area (under 40 lbs.) and an open area that serves as a rotation to allow for grass regrowth.

The fenced park features agility elements such as a tire jump, A-frame contact ramp, tunnel and some jumps. There's ample open space as well to run, roll over, work out, play and socialize with canine friends.

The park has double gates to keep dogs from escaping, water for pets and benches for owners to meet and greet other dog parents.

Future Amenities: Running water, dog water play area, benches, parking, volleyball courts in park, and trail connecting to AW Grimes and Clay Madsen Recreation Center.

View Map of Dog Park Layout

Review the Dog Depot Pet Rules before bringing your pet to the park.

For more information, contact Round Rock Parks and Recreation, (512) 218-5540 or view the website at City of Round Rock, Parks & Recreation - Dog Depot Park

Information provided courtesy of Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty Cell 512-217-2435 Email: kmstaha@aol.com Web: www.karenstaha.com

Vista Oaks is a Beautiful Mater-Planned Subdivision in Round Rock Texas

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:00:16 -0500

Vista Oaks is a beautiful and established master-planned community located north of Austin in a serene setting of Round Rock, Texas. Mature trees, quality built homes and recreational amenities are a few highlights that make Vista Oaks a wonderful place to come home to.

There are 936 single family homes in Vista Oaks Subdivision
Homes were developed in 'sections' between 1989 and 2002.
Builders in Vista Oaks: Hammond Homes, Wilshire Homes, Plantation Homes, Buffington Homes, Jeff Watson Custom Homes
Square footage of homes range from 1629 to 4584 square feet
Homeowners Association dues are currently are $360.00/year or $90.00/quarter.

Amenities offered in Vista Oaks Include:

Jr. Olympic Size Swimming Pool
Tennis Court
Sand Volleyball Court
Horseshoe Pit
Playground
Lighted and Scenic Hike and Bike Trails
Open Area Greenbelts
Picnic Areas

Year around activities include: Easter Egg Hunt, 4^th of July Parade and Celebration, Children's Play Group, Winter Holiday Party, Block Parties, Resident Newsletters.

Vista Oaks is located in the highly acclaimed Leander School District and children attend: Parkside Elementary School (opened 2008), Wiley Middle School & Vista Ridge High School.

You'll enjoy everyday conveniences of shopping including Round Rock Outlet Mall, dining, fun, 800 acre Williamson County Regional Park close by, and a few minutes from several golf courses and Dell Diamond, home to the Round Rock Express triple-A minor league baseball team.Vista Oaks offers convenient access to major thoroughfares including IH-35 and Hwy 183 and a short commute to major employees including - Dell Computer, IBM, Westinghouse, Motorola, Cisco Systems, Abbott Labs and 3M. Nearby.

Utility Companies Serving Vista Oaks: Pedernales Electric Cooperative 331-8883 - TXU GAS 800-460-3030 - ECO Resources 335-7580

As of this publishing, there are 20 active listings between 1994 and 4488 square feet priced from $167,000 to $355,000. Click link below to view an updated list of homes for sale in Vista Oaks.

Directions: From I-35 take FM 1431 West and go 3.4 miles on FM 1431. Turn Right (North) on Vista Hills Blvd (View Map)

If your relocating or already here and would like more information about area neighborhoods or assistance in buying or selling a home, I welcome your call or email. I know and specialize in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander or Hutto.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995- Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

'Hard Water' is Common in Texas - And Here's What You Need to Know...

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 21:39:00 -0500

This past weekend I had the pleasure of showing Round Rock area homes to clients relocating here from out-of-state. While looking at one home and as we entered the master bathroom, the Mrs. eyed over the master bath shower and commented to me, "My, you'd think the sellers would have taken the time to clean the shower." The truth is, as I explained to her, the shower glass and inside walls had a hazy film of mineral build-up caused from hard water, and it's lot easier to prevent this problem than it is to remove it.

If you've lived in an area where water is ‘soft,' you might never have of heard of ‘hard water' but the fact is, 80% of US homes have some level of water hardness. Central Texas is no exception and is known for large limestone formations that contribute to hardness of water in some areas. Here, having some type of water softening system is more of a necessity than a luxury and for many good reasons.

Hard water results from high levels of calcium and magnesium in the water supply. While studies show drinking hard water doesn't pose a safety issue, it can present problems that can be frustrating and costly for homeowners.

In laundry, hard water causes clothes to look dingy, dulls colors and gives whites a grey or yellow appearance. Overtime, hard water can damage fabric fibers and shorten the life of clothes by up to 40%.

Washing dishes, glassware and silverware in hard water can cause spots and an unsightly cloudy coating - even more so when cleaned in dishwashers because the minerals from hard water are released faster when in contact with the heat.

Bathing in hard water leaves a film of sticky soap residue leaving skin dry and itchy. The residue left on washed hair can make it dull, dry and hard to manage.

Hard water causes limescale build-up on faucets, shower heads, glass shower surrounds, tubs, water heaters and inside pipes. It eventually reduces water flow and, in extreme cases, puts water-using appliances out of service and clogs pipes. I've actually seen water pipes blocked off completely from limescale build-up.

Most builders of new homes in our area of hard water don't normally install water softeners as a standard feature but they often do install water softener ‘loops' in the garage and it's up to the buyer to purchase a water softener system. Surprisingly, many homeowners opt not to invest in hard water softener, yet beyond all the inconveniences hard water poses, it can be costly to replace failed appliances and replace water lines. Plus, limescale has been known to increase energy bills up to 25% because of reduced efficiency of hot water heaters.

There are a few options available for treating hard water so you might want to do some research and get price quotes. The ‘traditional type' water softener we purchased for our home cost $1400 including install but there are less and more expensive brands on the market. Ours was purchased back in 2002 and it's working like a charm from day one. The only expense we incur is about $30 once every three or four months for salt pellets that takes the hardness out of water.

Once installed, the water softener services all inside water lines. Your outside faucets are not part of the looped system simply because softened water is not recommended for watering plants, lawns, and gardens due to its sodium content.

While there are many signs of hard water, you might want to contact your water service provider who can probably tell you the hardness level of the water they deliver. Another option is to have your water tested. Some companies that sell water treatment equipment offer free water tests. Alternatively you can buy a home water test kit found in many hardware stores. I found a site online that offers free test kits from Diamond Crystal water softening products. They can be reached at (800) 428-4244.

A Picture Tour of Historical Downtown Round Rock, Texas

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:57:59 -0500

In the midst of bustling and growing Round Rock in all directions, you can still discover life in the slow lane. Historic Downtown Round Rock, fondly known as 'old town' to locals, is a journey back to bygone days. Remnants of the past are visible in restored 100+ year old buildings that are now home to specialty shops, restaurants and a down-south restful atmosphere. Enjoy the tour...........

A trip to downtown Round Rock wouldn't be the same without a homemade pastry from 'Round Rock Donuts' They are sooo good!

Behrens Ranch in Round Rock Texas - A Place You'll Love Coming Home To!

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:46:00 -0500

Behrens Ranch is a master-planned community nestled on 500 beautiful acres in the Texas hill country of Round Rock. Living here is the best of all worlds with affordable priced homes, beautiful surroundings, highly-regarded schools and the convenience to shopping, entertainment and major roadways.

Established in 2001 and still growing, Behrens Ranch is the result of several outstanding builders for the development of a diverse selection of upscale homes, floor-plans and price options. Within Behrens Ranch, homes are built in six neighborhood sections: Mira Vista, The Arbors, The Creek, The Reserve, The Pointe, The Park, and The Crossing.

Your welcome home begins at the entry with a large wood based windmill towering over water ponds and rustic field-stone walls and columns. The beauty the neighborhood is further enhanced with tree-lined streets and distinctly impressive and well-designed homes on large landscaped lots.

The centerpiece of Behrens Ranch is the amenity center offering a host of community amenities. Here you'll enjoy the recreational pool, playscape, picnic tables, barbeque pits, covered party pavilion and clubhouse. Winding through the community are miles and miles of naturally beautiful hike and bike trails.

Currently For Sale In Behren's Ranch: A search of the MLS shows there are currently 25 new and resale for sale in Behrens Ranch priced from $259,900 to $443,900 from 2503 to 4780 square feet. Pictured are two beautiful homes I recently sold in Behrens Ranch to families who love living here!

Below is a link to 'View Homes Currently for Sale in Behrens Ranch'

Builders of this fine community are Newmark Homes, Pulte Homes, Meritage Homes, Lennar Homes, Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes, Pitt Homes, Raymond Klepzig and Casa Bella Homes Builders.

Behrens Ranch is served by Highly Acclaimed Round Rock Schools. Cactus Ranch Elementary, an Exemplary Rated School, is located in the neighborhood. Hopewell Middle School and Round Rock High School, both highly rated, also serve the neighborhood.

Major employees in and close by Round Rock are IBM ,3M, Dell Computers, Farmer's Regional Office, Westinghouse, Motorola, Cisco Systems, Sun Microsystems and Abbott Labs

Close by shopping and attractions includes Round Rock Outlet Mall, La Frontera Plaza, plenty of dining and a few minutes from several golf courses and Dell Diamond, home to the Round Rock Express triple-A minor league baseball team.

Just down the road is the 800 acre Williamson County Regional Park where there is no shortage of things to do. It is one of central Texas largest parks featuring soccer and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, four miles of hiking trails and a miniature train.

Behrens Ranch is 2 miles West of Interstate 35 off FM 3406 in Round Rock, Texas.Driving

Directions: Travel north on IH-35 to Round Rock. Exit 3406 also known as Old Settlers Park. Take a left on 3406 and proceed west. Pass Wood Glen Community and take a right on Wyoming Springs. Drive into community.

If you would like more information about Behrens Ranch and other fine communites in the area, I welcome you to contact me. It would be my pleasure to assist you with your real estate needs if you are looking to buy or sell a home in Round Rock or surrounding areas. I bring you experience and committment with superior services you need and deserve.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Austin and Surrounding Areas Since 1995 -Gaston & Sheehan Realty 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com

Pflugerville Pfamily Pfestival & Expo - October 18, 2008

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:03:30 -0500

Come join the fun at the 2008 Pflamily Pfestival & Expo Saturday October 18th from 9:00 to 3:00. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Expo. Admission is free. This year the event will take place on the grounds of Hill Country Bible Church located at 303 E. Pfluger Pkwy.

Activities planned are Merchant booths, performances by local church and youth groups, classic auto displays, child ID, kid's activities, helicopter displays, demonstrations, Fire Safety House and much more. Concessions will be provided by HEB plus participating Merchants will offer some fabulous door prizes.

While you're here, I welcome you to stop by our Gaston & Sheehan Realty Booth and register for a great door prize.

Make Credit Repairs Before Starting the Home Hunt

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:29:19 -0500

If you're seriously thinking about buying a home there are certain requirements you need to meet before you start shopping for homes. One of these is knowing where you stand with your credit. To do this, you can get a copy of your credit report directly (refer to my article on ‘When Was Your Last Credit Report Check-Up?') to give you a good overview of your credit payment history and ensure there are no errors (79% of credit reports have errors that may negatively impact a credit score!) What you won't get on your self generated report is a 'credit score' that lenders refer to.

To go a step further, have the loan officer you are working with pull your credit report and review it with you. Their method plugs your credit data into software that analyzes and cranks out a credit score. If your credit score is not up to home purchase guidelines, your lender will work with you to determine a course of action for addressing or improving your credit score.

Your credit score is also known as your FICO score with 800 being near perfect and 400 approaching as bad as it gets. The vast majority of people will have scores between 600 and 800. Going below 720, however, your credit score will list up to four reasons why your score is not currently higher. FICA Score Ranges and Grade are shown below:

750 and above Excellent A++

680 to 750 Very Good A+

620 to 680 Good A

580 to 680 Above Satisfactory B

550 to 580 Satisfactory B-

480 to 550 Below Satisfactory C

It takes time to improve credit scores and depends on the type of credit issues on your report. Usually, positive results can be accomplished with 60 to 90 days but there is no guarantee. With this said, I suggest you review your credit report at least 6 months prior to an anticipated home purchase. This will help avoid unexpected delays when you are ready to make a purchase - and make home buying experience less stressful.

Here are a few tips on maintaing or improving your credit scores in preperation for a home purchase:

Plan to pay your bills on time and follow through.
Do not fill out credit applications needlessly.
Do not keep your credit cards nearly maxed out.
Don't live beyond your means.
Do not make major credit purchases (such as a vehicle) that might affect your ability to qualify for a home.
Don't close out zero balance accounts - they actually can improve your credit scores.

If you considering a home purchase in our area and would like more information on qualifying for a loan or the names of reputable lenders I have worked with, feel free to contact me. I am also happy to provide you with a list of homes for sale that meet your criteria. I know and specialize in Round Rock, Austin, Pflugerville, Cedar Park and Leander.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

When was your last credit report check-up?

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:40:26 -0500

You know to get a physical check up from the doctor once a year, but how often are you getting a check-up on your credit reports?

Thanks to a federal law that went into effect in 2004,each of the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Transunion) is required to provide you with one free copy of your credit report per year upon request from a centralized source.

This centralized source includes a Web site, a toll-free telephone number and a postal address. In order to receive your reports, you must initiate the request on one of the following three ways.

Website: www.annualcreditreport.com This is the ONLY official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report. Be careful if you are using another company that might not be authentic or change you fees.

By Phone: Call 1-877-322-8228 You will go through a simple verification process over the phone.

By Mail: Download the request form Print and complete the form. Mail the completed form to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

One-Year Home Warranties - A Good Option When Purchasing a Resale Home

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:09:47 -0500

Buying a home is a big investment, and it is wise to consider what, if any, warranties are in place on the home you are about the purchase.

When Purchasing a New Home: Typically, warranties for newly built homes offer limited coverage on workmanship and materials to components such as windows, appliances, heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, electrical and major structural for a specified periods.

When Purchasing a Resale Home: The builder warranty coverage may have expired for some or all of the components depending on coverage time provided by the builder so you'll want to know what is and is not still covered.

If you are purchasing a resale home with limited or no builder warranty in place, there are companies that provide a residential limited service plans referred to as "One-Year Warranties" These service programs cover the repair or replacement of many of the most frequently occurring breakdowns of home system components and appliances due to normal wear and tear.

For a fee ($299-$500), these home warranty plans go into effect on the day of close and can be paid for by the buyer but are commonly paid for by the seller as part of the purchase contract agreement. During the service plan term, the buyer will pay a small fee ($45-$65) for each service call incident. This is minimal compared to what you might otherwise pay for repairs without the service plan in place

Here are some buyer advantages to having a home service plan:

Contract terms are for generally for 1 year and renewable yearly
You are covered for unexpected home repair or replacement costs on many of your home's major systems and appliances
Coverage is regardless of the appliances' age, make or model
If it can't be fixed, it will be replaced*
It only takes a phone call and a small service fee to fix the problem
The warranty call center maintains a list of contractors for service calls

*Additional charges may apply to specific repairs and replacements.

Additional or optional coverages for items such as kitchen refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioning, pool and spa equipment and limited septic and roof leak repair are available for purchase for an additional fee and initiated by close date of home.

A home warranty plan should not be considered as an alternative to having the property inspected by licensed professionals. System defects discovered during the home inspection won't be covered by a home warranty plan. These repairs should be negotiated between the buyer and seller prior to closing.

Don't confuse homeowners insurance coverage with Home Warranty Plans - Homeowner's insurance policies cover damage as a result of accidents and external forces, such as weather (including lightning), earthquakes, and fire, while Home Warranty Plans cover internal defects from normal wear and tear during the contract term.

If your relocating or already here and would like more information about our area or assistance in buying or selling a home, I welcome your call or email. I know and specialize in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander or Hutto.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

Milestones of Keeping Austin Weird

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:25:02 -0500

On more than one occasion, I've had clients from out of the area curiously ask me meaning of "Keep Austin Weird". Truly, you'd almost have to be an Austinite to appreciate the substance behind these three simple words and surely everyone has their opinion.

In the beginning, the phrase arose from an offhand remark by Red Wassenich during a live broadcast phone conversation with a local radio station back in 2002 . In reality, Wassenich's comment was all about raising consumer awareness of the economic impact of shopping locally, of the importance of supporting our independently owned businesses competing with the big box stores like Walmart, Target, Home Depot and that sort. But the phase stuck and in the next blink "Keep Austin Weird" bumper sticker started showing up all over Austin. Just one year later over 60,000 of them were given away and it didn't stop there.

In the last few years, the official unofficial citywide slogan has become: "Keep Austin Weird" It's printed on T-shirts, mugs, flying disks, boxer shorts, Web sites, and wherever else we can plaster it. Beyond that, it's become a rally call for just about everything Austin, Texas. We even turned the name into a yearly event by having a "Keep Austin Weird 5K run and Music Festival". And if that' not enough, in 2003 the Austin City Council at one of their televised meetings decided to support the phrase.

So is Austin really weird? Well, it's a matter of how you look at it.

How weird is it to celebrate the birthday of a fictional donkey friend of a fictional bear? We do that in Austin every spring with Eeyore's Annual Birthday Party.

What could be weirder than a major annual attraction devoted to canned luncheon meat? I'm talking about the annual Spamarama. There's also a cook-off at the party and yes, Spam in on the menu.

You're bound to see everything and anything weird when December's Christmas wonderland lights up 37th Street, but don't expect the usual scenes of Santa, snowmen, and traditional Christmas trees.

Let's not forget the 60 ton pile 'Cathedral of Junk', an endless work in progress started in 1988 by Vince Hannemann that includes lawnmower wheels, car bumpers, kitchen utensils, ladders, cables, bottles, circuit boards, bicycle parts, brick-a-brack, and a lot of weird stuff that is frankly unidentifiable. Tours? Yes, and free!

And where else do mobs of people enthusitically gather nightly next to a downtown bridge to watch over 750,000 (that's right, I said 750,000) bats depart from under it. Bat crazy or weird? Maybe a little of both.

The list goes on and I could delve into this more but maybe you get the jest of it all.

Yes, Austin truly is where the slogan all began and I'd say we are quite deserving of it, but apparently we had it stolen right out from under us. I did a search on the internet and found places like Santa Cruz, Boulder, Co., Erie, PA, (good grief--my home town but not my idea!) and Louisville, Ky., proudly embracing the slogan as their own while readily admitting they liked our idea. You have to marvel at this kind of inspired copycatting but one thing we can be sure of is that there can be no place else like Austin. So what is "normal" I dare ask?

How many people love living in Austin? Over 1.5 million and growing! If you're planning to relocate here and want more Austin or surrounding area information, I can help you. Looking to buy or sell a home, condo or investment property? Want local listings that meet your criteria emailed to you? I can help you with that too!

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty, Call me direct: 512 217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com

Welcome to Mayfield Ranch Subdivision in Round Rock Texas

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:10:53 -0500

Mayfield Ranch is a beautiful and vibrant Master-Planned Community where natural beauty, recreational amenities and convenience are combined in a hometown atmosphere for a lifestyle that sure to please most anyone.

Beginning with development in 2003, Mayfield Ranch now comprises approximately 700 homes as the result of the joining together of several highly esteemed builders. In doing so, buyers have a variety of home-styles, floorplans and price options.

This thoughtfully designed neighborhood, located in a country-like setting of Round Rock, is surrounded by mature trees and acres of natural open space. Just beyond the boundaries of Mayfield Ranch, the 800 acre Williamson County Regional Park surrounds the community on two sides; a dedicated greenbelt along the third.

The beauty of this neighborhood is further revealed by distinctive homes with lush manicured lawns including large lots and tree covered settings on quiet streets and cul-de-sacs.. Homes here are between 1556 and 4124 square feet with the average home size here being around 2600 square feet.

There are 32 homes in the MLS currently on the market priced from $204,000 to $383,000 between 2030 and 3889 square feet. Features you will find in many of these homes include 2 or 3 car garages, 3 to 5 bedrooms, open island kitchens, built-in appliances, walk-in closets, large master-suites, separate showers and garden tubs, game & media rooms, fireplaces and many more upgrades.

For recreation, school, shopping and work, there's no better setting than Mayfield Ranch.

At the heart of neighborhood is the activity center where neighbors come together to enjoy a variety of activities and events. Mayfield Ranch Amenities include.....

Pool
Children's Splash Pool
Clubhouse
Playground in tree shaded setting
Hike and bike trails

An added allure of living in Mayfield Ranch are the highly acclaimed Round Rock and Leander Schools children who live here attend. Serving the Round Rock ISD section are: Cactus Ranch Elementary , Hopewell Middle School, Stonypoint High School or Round Rock High School. Serving Leander ISD sections of Mayfield Ranch, children attend, Parkside elementary, Wiley Middle School and Vista Ridge High School.

Mayfield Ranch offers convenient access to major thoroughfares including IH-35 and Hwy 183 and a short commute to major employees including - Dell Computer, IBM, Westinghouse, Motorola, Cisco Systems, Abbott Labs and 3M. Nearby. You'll enjoy everyday conveniences of shopping including Round Rock Outlet Mall, dining, fun and a few minutes from several golf courses and Dell Diamond, home to the Round Rock Express triple-A minor league baseball team.

With the qualify of life, and all that Mayfield Ranch has to offer, it's easy to see why so many people love living here!

Directions: From I-35 take FM 1431 West and go 2.8 miles on FM 1431. Turn Right (North) on Mayfield Ranch Blvd.

If you would like information on Mayfield Ranch and any other neighborhoods feel free to contact me. Or, if you are relocating or already here and looking to buy or sell a home, I welcome the opportunity to assist you. I know and sell Round Rock, Austin, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Leander and Hutto.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston& Sheehan Realty - 512 217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com

Williamson County Reginal Park - Over 800 Acres of Parkland and Fun

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:39:10 -0500

Currently, Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is the largest public park in Williamson County, totaling about 800 acres. Located in Leander and just north of Round Rock, the first phase of the park encompasses 100 acres with eleven soccer fields, two softball fields, eight tennis courts, football field circled by a 400-meter track, six basketball courts, a plays cape and a disc golf course.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the miniature train ride that takes you on a 1.3 mile fun scenic ride in the park.

Biking and hiking trails are abundant here with over 4 miles of two trail systems, one on crushed granite and the other a wooded nature trail. The 18 hole disc golf course covers approximately 2 miles and is mostly tree shaded.

200 acres in the park has been preserved to protect endangered species, leaving the remainder 500 acres for future park development.

Proposed future park expansion will include an equestrian center, golf course and mountain biking trails.

MAP OF PARK

Hours: sunrise - sunset
Train Ride: weekends year around
Entrance Fees: free, except for parking fee during tournaments
Address: 3005 County Road 175 Directions

Feel free to drop me an email or phone call if you would like more information about our area or if you are relocating and would like information on homes for sale.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

Welcome to The Club at Wells Point Subdivision in Pflugerville

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:12:38 -0500

The Club at Wells Point Subdivision is a warm and welcoming neighborhood nestled in a quiet pocket of Pflugerville and conveniently located just 14 miles north of downtown Austin.

Comprised of 350 single family homes built between 1995 and 2001, The Club at Wells Point offers a beautiful and established setting combined with recreational amenities in a convenient location. Homes here are quality built at affordable prices. Some features include 3 to 4 sides brick or natural stone, large landscaped lots with mature trees, 2 or 3 car garages and interiors with various upgrades.

The centerpiece of the neighbor is the amenity center where residents come together to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of activities and events.

Jr. Olympic Swimming Pool
Splash Pool for Smaller Children
Chidren's Playscape
Picnic Tables with Barbeque Grills
Tennis Court
Basketball Court
Clubhouse
Fitness Center with Showers & Dressing Room
Hike and Bike Trails in close proximity to the Neighborhood.

Events include Pool Parties, Yard of the Month, Picnics, Block Parties, Bunco Groups, Halloween Carnival and Winter Holiday Light Contest. The Homeowners Association publishes an online quarterly newsletter on current and upcoming events.

The Club is served by Highly Acclaimed Pflugerville schools.Springhill Elementary, Pflugerville Middle and Pflugerville High School are all located within blocks and walking distance. Here too is convenient access to major thoroughfares including IH-35, SH-45 and Loop 1 (Mopac) Outside of The Club at Wells Point you'll enjoy everyday conveniences of shopping, dining, and entertainment close by.

Homes here range from 1451 to 4138 square feet with the average size of home being 2531 square feet.

My search of the MLS shows that 6 homes are currently for sale in The Club at Wells Point from 1822 to 2820 square feet priced from $159,000 to $228,000

Pictured is a beautiful home I recently sold in The Club at Wells Point.

If you are planning a move and would like information on this or other area neighborhoods, I welcome you to contact me. I know and specialize in Round Rock, Austin, Pflugerville, Cedar Park and Leander.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com

Eviction in process on this little critter

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:43 -0500

This little guy, two brothers and mama have set up a happy household in my attic. Every morning I wake up to the scrambling noise of their running across my attic rafters and I can only imagine what's going on up there.

These cute, cuddly little creatures can wreck havoc in attic spaces by tearing up insulation, air ducts and chewing on wires so the quicker these pesky little guys are gone the better.

Seems the eviction process is quite an undertaking, and I can either attempt it myself or call the critter removal professionals. Regardless, traps need to be set and areas identified and sealed where they are entering, Once trapped, the squirrels need to be relocated to a wildlife setting. I'll also need to assess and repair any damages my little friends have caused.

After contemplating my options and talking with Mike at Prescription Pest Control, I decided to hire their professional services, and they are coming tomorrow which is not too soon for me. It's well worth the $69.00 per trap charge plus whatever the fee to block off access.

Welcome to Sonoma Subdivision in Round Rock Texas

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:03:10 -0500

Sonoma is another beautiful subdivision where I always welcome the opportunity to show and sell homes. This bustling master-planned community is located in a growing and popular area of Round Rock, Texas.

Beginning with first-phase development in 2001 and still growing, Sonoma is the result of the coming together of several nationally known and award winning builders who developed ‘localized' sections within the community. In doing so, buyers have a variety of housing options - building styles, house floor plans, lots sizes, and, of course pricing options throughout the community.

Homes here range in size from 1426 to 4510 square feet with most being 2300 to 2800 square feet.

Designed with livability in mind, Sonoma offers residents some of the finest amenities around.

2 Community Pools Children's Splash Center
2 Lakes
Playgrounds
Pockets of Greenbelt and Picnic Areas.
Neighborhood Trails that Adjoin Brushy Creek Hike & Bike Trail System

This welcoming neighborhood encourages lasting friendships by maintaining an active social calendar for its residents including Pool Parties, Walking Groups Easter Egg Hunts, Children's Play Groups, Yard of the Month, Meet Santa, Holiday Season Decorating Contest and more.

Children who live in Sonoma attend highly acclaimed Round Rock Schools. In the neighborhood are Blackland Prairie Elementary and Ridgeview Middle School and Stoney Point High School is close by.

Sonoma offers convenient access to major thoroughfares including IH-35, SH-45, and Toll Road 130, a time saving alternative for traveling north-south to Austin and other locations. Outside of Sonoma you'll enjoy everyday conveniences of shopping, dining, fun and just a few short minutes from Forest Creek Golf Club and Dell Diamond, home to the Round Rock Express triple-A minor league baseball team.

There are currently 31 homes for sale in Somona between 1714 and 3583 square feet priced from $164,000 to $305,000 with a median price of $247,000 and an average square footage of 2818 square feet

Below is a link to view homes currently for sale in Sonoma Subdivision

Here's more great news about Round Rock Texas!

· Round Rock ranked 13^th Among Safest Cities to Live (2007 & 2008)
· Round Rock ranks No. 4 among the Best Large Metros for Public Schools
(Expansion Management,2007 Education Quotient)
· Round Rock ranked No. 6 in best places to live, work and play.
(Kimplnger's Personal Finance, May 2008
· Round Rock ranks No. 5 on the list of Best Cities for Relocating Families
(2007 Worldwide ERC and Primary Relocation Report)
· Round Rock ranked #7^th Among Top 100 Cities To Live (Money Magazine 2008)

Round Rock really is one of the nicest places to live in Texas! I know - I've lived here! With great job opportunities, plenty to do, some of the best schools around, and a stable real estate market in diverse price ranges, I can see why people want to make Round Rock their home.

I am happy to provide you with more details about Sonoma or other neighborhoods, or, if your relocating to Texas or already here and would like more information about buying or selling a home in Round Rock or surrounding areas , I welcome your call or email.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty, Call me direct: 512 217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com web: www.karenstaha.com

Welcome to Lake Forest Subdivision in Round Rock Texas

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR REALTOR (Gaston & Sheehan Realty) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:03:00 -0500

Welcome to Lake Forest, one of Round Rock's newer premier communities offering quality living for young professionals, families and active retirees.

From its beginning in 2001, Lake Forest was designed to create the feel of a fun and family oriented neighborhood. The amenity package includes a Junior olympic pool, Kiddie pool, Resident community center, Tennis court, State of the art basketball court, Two playscapes and open areas where children can run and play. Cast your fishing line in the catch and release lake and enjoy the ducks that were hand-raised by the residents themselves. Here too are 2.5 miles of hike and bike trails within the neighborhood that feed into Brushy Creek Park offering scenic trails that meander along a flowing creek and through a forest of trees.

Homes here scream "Welcome!" as you drive through the Lake Forest subdivision. The building standard is openly displayed by the magnificent curb appeal. The landscaping is pristine and green. Interior floor plans and features will impress and excite you.

The beautiful homes here are the result of bringing together five quality and custom home builders for the development of this master-planned community in a beautiful setting. A total of 631 homes and numerous acres of tree-covered and preserved land encompass the neighborhood.

At Lake Forest , residents contribute to the family-friendly atmosphere by organizing a variety of activities for adults and children of all ages, such as Pool parties, a Spring egg hunt, Halloween costume party and Winter holiday hay rides. Ongoing social gatherings and organized resident sports for adults include Bonco Groups, Yoga, Softball and Basketball - to name a few. For children there's Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Swim, Summer camps, plus mentoring programs for reading, arts and more. Let me not forget Santa's annual winter holiday visit to your home for picking up the children's wish list.

Children who live in Lake Forest attend prestigious Round Rock Independent Schools known statewide and nationally for excellence in education. Blackland Prairie Elementary and Ridgeview Middle School are strategically located in the neighborhood and Stoney Brook High School conveniently close by.

Living here, you can have the best of all worlds. The peaceful serenity and quite beauty Lake Forest offers, yet close to all the amenities and conveniences outside of the neighborhood - shopping, restaurants, Dell Diamond - home of the Round Rock Express Baseball Park, and indoor/outdoor recreation close by. Plus, Interstate 35, SH45 and SH130 are only minutes away taking you in every driving direction you need to go.

Homes in Lake Forest range from upwards of approximately 2228 square feet of living space, with most homes being larger. Currently in the MLS, there are 40 homes for sale in Lake Forest from 2681 to 5751 square feet priced from $289,900 to $645,000 with a median price of $375,000. For your convenience, I've included a link below of all homes currently available as shown in the MLS.

If you are relocating and would like to make Lake Forest or another area community your next home, I welcome the opportunity to assist you. I know and specialize in Round Rock, Austin, Pflugerville, Cedar Park and Leander.

Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com